Firefighters with Eastside Fire & Rescue (EF&R) are teaming up with the Issaquah Brewhouse to collect toys this holiday season.

The Reindeer Engine will be located in front of the Issaquah Brewhouse on Thursday between 6-8 p.m. The public can bring in a new unwrapped toy and receive a ticket for use at the pub and eatery. Santa is also expected to be there to pick up the donated toys.

“This has been our biggest year yet,” says firefighter Danny Evanger, public relations officer for Union Local 2878. “We work hard to stay connected to the community we serve and there’s no better time to collect food and toys from our generous community than during the holiday season.”

Firefighters, both career and volunteer, donate time every holiday season to collect toys and food for needy families. The most impressive food drive was from the students of Creekside Elementary. Approximately 2,500 cans were delivered to the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank last week.

And this year, more toys have been collected for HopeLink than prior years. Every one of the staffed fire stations has been involved in the collection of the toys and food.

Located next to the Salmon Hatchery at 35 Sunset Way in downtown Issaquah, the Brewhouse has been open since 1994. The Brewhouse is a family and dog-friendly establishment.